The Science of CoolSculpting | Donaldson Plastic Surgery

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By Nikki Rucinsky |

The Science of CoolSculpting

It Works – But How?

CoolSculpting is an effective fat reduction method that does not require surgery. You’ll experience no pain and no downtime, only results. This sounds almost too good to be true, right? We’re not here to tell you that it works – we’re going to show you that it does!

CoolSculpting: The Basics

From the makers of your favorite beauty enhancers (like Botox, Juvederm, DiamondGlow, Latisse, and more,), CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment that targets pockets of fat that just won’t go away despite how much you diet and exercise. After a CoolSculpting treatment, once that fat is gone, it’s gone for good.

What The Science Says

The science behind CoolSculpting is known as cryolipolysis, which directly translates to “cold fat destruction.” It was recognized and approved by the FDA in 2010. It targets and kills fat cells beneath the skin by cooling them. CoolSculpting Elite’s temperature decreases to -11°C (12.2°F). Although these temperatures sound pretty extreme, your skin won’t be injured in any way.

Inforgraphic of how CoolSculpting works

CoolSculpting Destroys 20-25% of Fat Cells

You can see results in nine different areas and you’ll see your final results in about 10 weeks when your body fully metabolizes the dead cells.

How Body Fat Works

Once we hit adolescence, the amount of fat cells in our bodies remains constant. You may be asking, “if adults always have the same amount of fat cells, how do we gain and lose weight?” Great question! Fat is stored in these fat cells, so when we gain fat, the cells expand, and when we lose fat, the cells shrink. Since we do not grow new fat cells, when CoolSculpting kills them, those cells do not return.

Popsicles & Fat Reduction: The Interesting Origin of Cryolipolysis & CoolSculpting

In 2008, Dr. Dieter Manstein and Dr. R. Rox Anderson discovered the science behind cryolipolysis. They had previously noticed that children who ate more popsicles had notably thinner cheeks than other children. The doctors wondered if the cold from the popsicles had something to do with this. Dr. Manstein and Dr. Anderson conducted tests that eventually led to the conclusion that cryolipolysis is an effective way to reduce fat.

CoolSculpting was developed using the science of cryolipolysis and has continued to advance over the years. Currently, CoolSculpting Elite is the most advanced form of fat-freezing technology, and Donaldson Plastic Surgery was the first to offer it in Columbus.

What’s the treatment actually like?

It’s easy. This is a non-surgical procedure with no downtime. You don’t have to worry about anesthesia or scars. Before being treated, you’ll set up a consultation to make sure CoolSculpting is right for you.

Man getting a Coolsculpting treatment

Your Appointment:

Patients tell us that the treatment itself is actually very relaxing, with many of them watching TV or taking naps during that time.

At your appointment, your CoolSculpting expert will start by cleansing the area. They will apply a gel pad to protect the skin from the cold temperatures, and then they apply the suction applicator. This may feel a little weird at first, but it doesn’t hurt. The area will go completely numb within minutes. Treatments typically last about 30-45 minutes

Our experts will then massage the area. Deep massage makes the treatment more effective by 67%, because it manually breaks up the fat cells.

The Spot Fat Loss Myth: Diet & Exercise Can’t Target Specific Areas of the Body

We should always practice healthy habits even when not trying to lose weight; however, when we are trying to shed pounds, diet and exercise are not as precise as we would like them to be. Weight loss can’t target specific areas. You may want to shrink your love handles, but fat leaves your buttocks instead! However, with CoolSculpting, you can create your ideal silhouette and body contour!

Up close image of coolsculpting applicator

Fat Reduction vs. Weight Loss: What The Scale Will Say

CoolSculpting is a fat reduction treatment rather than a weight loss treatment. Decreasing fat won’t drastically change your weight, because muscle weighs more than fat. CoolSculpting kills fat cells, so you’ll see a change in your appearance but not too much on the scale.

Targeted fat reduction will better help you reach your preferred aesthetic goals.

Does CoolSculpting last?

Yes! Once the fat cells are frozen, they won’t come back. The remaining fat cells can grow larger, so to maintain your results, you must continue to practice a healthy lifestyle.


Treat Yourself with CoolSculpting Elite

CoolSculpting is scientifically proven to reduce fat. It’s an easy, non-invasive treatment that will give you real and noticeable results. Are you ready to go further and eliminate stubborn body fat for good? Give us a call at (614)-442-7610 to get started.


About The Author

Nikki Rucinsky is an experienced medical aesthetician and certified CoolSculpting provider at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. She has helped hundreds of patients feel more confident in their own skin through the use of this non-surgical technology. Nikki continues to provide online education to individuals throughout the United States who may be considering CoolSculpting treatments in the future.

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